Crossing the Rio Grande Legally

Paddling the Rio Grande offers that stark contrast of being on the water in the middle of a desert. It also offers plenty of opportunities to meet and greet federal US Customs and Border Protection Agents.

This past weekend I spent three days on the river near the Falcon Dam and this what I learned.

A passport makes life much easier when dealing with any of the agents. As do short answers.

· The boarder is defined as the middle of the deepest and widest channel of the Rio Grande and boaters cross it all the time without incident.

· If you launch from the U.S. side, land on the Mexican side and then try to re-enter the United States you legally need to call 956 848 5221. (This is the Number for the crossing at Falcon Dam; visit http://www.cbp.gov/ to find the number to call if you are crossing elsewhere.)

· People make this crossing all the time and rarely call.

· If you do call there is a good chance agents will show up with a dog to inspect your boat.